Dozens of protesters wearing Man Up T -shirts found the beginning of the Wellington Pride Parade, performing a Haka.
The parade lasted about five minutes when members 30 to 40 men appeared.
The crowd shouted “You’re not well – -vasting” and the police formed a line, trying to push them away on Taranaki Street.
Protesters at Pride Wellington’s Parade.
Photo: RNZ
Protesters at Pride Wellington’s Parade.
Photo: RNZ
Mayor Tory Whanau was at the beginning of the parade, accompanied by Wellington Paranormal Actor Karen O’Leary.
Whanau said police reacted quickly and many people didn’t even know the protest had happened.
“For those who acted quickly, they did a really wonderful job. For those who came here to disturb, they were here for no reason but spread hatred and fanaticism.
“They are not well -Vent here. They are not well -vow in Wellington. As you can see with amazing numbers here, Wellington City has everything to do with diversity, and it’s all about the Rainbow, Takatāpui community, and will always remain that way.”
The parade was resumed, coming down to Courtenay Place and Dixon Street to the end point at Rainbow Crossing, on Cuba Street.
Karen O’leary said about the interruption: “I didn’t pay attention, because it deserves no attention. It means nothing to me.”
“What means more to me is the number of people who have appeared here with a very positive attitude and just care about what other people make themselves happy, that’s important.”
Karen O’Leary, Center, in Wellington Pride Parade.
Photo: RNZ / Rachel Helyer-Donaldson
Protesters at Pride Wellington’s Parade.
Photo: RNZ
Protesters at Pride Wellington’s Parade.
Photo: RNZ / PARIS IBELL
Protesters at Pride Wellington’s Parade.
Photo: RNZ
There were concerns about Man Up protests after events at Auckland Pride Festival last month.
Witnesses reported that about 30 people were barricated in a room at Te Atatū library after men wearing ‘Man up’ t -shirts interrupted an event held by a drag king who read a book for children.
The Man Up group is linked to the Destiny Church.
Church leader Brian Tamaki said he said to protesters, “I want you to invade the library they are in.”
The group’s actions were widely convicted, with the police saying that “crossed a line” and the first -minister Christopher Luxon said: “We respect the right of people to freedom of expression, we respect the rights of people to peaceful protests, [but] They went too far. “
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau in White and actor Karen O’Leary in Green Shirt at Wellington Pride Parade.
Photo: RNZ / Rachel Helyer-Donaldson
The pride parade continued despite the protests of man.
Photo: RNZ / Rachel Helyer-Donaldson
Before Saturday’s parade, Event Manager Craig Watson said he was prepared for possible incidents.
“The appropriate way for people to respond to any kind of protest that happens here is to stay peaceful and remain calm. Their advice for us is to sing a waiata or continue with our celebrations and really ignore their protests.
“We are asking our community to adopt this approach to anything that can happen on Saturday.”
“Wellington is a place that loves the Queer community, which really supports the Queer community and we invite everyone to go down and have fun, and really enjoy the day. Continue peaceful and maintain this celebration for all pride,” Watson said.
In a statement, Rainbow Youth and Insideout said there is no place for hatred and violence in Aotearoa.
Inside, administrative director, Tabby Besley, said the high fanatic voices are being drowned out of the growth of visibility in the arc community.
“It’s time for the government to take serious action to prevent and respond to violence to the communities of the arc. Recent incidents at Auckland Pride are part of an organized continuous attack on Rainbow’s rights of people to be themselves and unite.”
